Discussion of teaching complex knowledge domains through exploration highlights two experiments that investigated the educational value of a Dutch computer simulation program which models the relationship between erosion and agriculture in a developing country as part of the secondary school geography curriculum. Learning by doing versus learning…

Reports on a controlled experiment that tested the effectiveness of a multimedia method of instruction using a hypermedia-based program and interactive video against two alternative methods--traditional instruction and regular computer-assisted instruction--in a political science course at Northwestern University. Evaluation of the experiment and…

Describes a study that compared individual computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with paired/cooperative CAI as a method of providing inservice training for cooperative extension agents on the topic of proper water well location and construction. Cognitive achievement and time spent on the lesson are investigated. (18 references) (LRW)

Discussion of computer-assisted mathematics instruction focuses on a study of high school students that examined the instructional effectiveness of computer-managed videodisc instruction for precalculus mathematics. Highlights include a comparison with traditional classroom instruction and theoretical perspectives, including sociocultural theory,…

The purpose of this study was to improve the comprehension and problem-solving skills of students with disabilities in social studies using a conceptually framed, computer-adapted history text. Participants were 11th and 12th grade students identified with learning disabilities in reading and writing from two intact, self-contained social studies…

This report presents the results of RAND research conducted at the U.S. Army Signal Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia, to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive videodisc (IVD) system used to facilitate training in a variety of military occupational specialities. The objectives of the study were to: (1) develop a methodology for assessing the…

In the spring of 1990, an evaluation was conducted of Saginaw, Michigan's Laser Learning Project (LLP), which was designed to provide eighth grade students with an alternative mathematics instructional program using specially designed curriculum and interactive video. It was hypothesized that participating students would not only achieve higher…

The purpose of this study was to examine how learners with different levels of prior understanding of a topic interact and learn from computer-assisted video instruction systems when they have control of content, sequence, pace, and mode of instruction. Based on pretest scores, 80 subjects were randomly selected, half with low prior conceptual…

Reviews study conducted to compare levels of achievement on final exams for college students responding to combinations of test-item feedback methods and modes of test-item presentation. The PHOENIX computer system used in the comparison is described, and the use of ACT (American College Testing Program) scores for ability comparison is discussed.…

Describes a British study with undergraduate accountancy students which compared the quantitative and qualitative effects of three types of embedded tasks or questions--relational-semantic, transpose-semantic, and non-semantic--on learning outcomes. Variables investigated included mathematical background, recall, and comprehension. Relevance of…

In a teaching experiment, 16 face-to-face and 11 e-mail Finnish university students engaged in an argumentation course. The 19 students of the control group did not study argumentation. The course involved two lectures, exercises with argumentative texts, and face-to-face or e-mail seminar discussions based on these texts. The topics of the texts…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of learning strategy and summarization within a computer-based chemistry and physics program. High school students worked individually or in cooperative dyads to complete science instruction; half of them completed summaries over the instructional content when directed to do so. The study…

This article is a review of the impact upon science learning of classroom and laboratory uses of computers in grades K-16 as revealed by published, peer-reviewed research from 1988-95. Highlights include problems with media-comparison studies, computer-assisted instruction, computer simulations, microcomputer-based laboratories, interactive video,…

Presents an evaluation of "Smithtown," an intelligent tutoring system designed to teach inductive inquiry skills and principles of basic microeconomics. Two studies of individual differences in learning are described, including a comparison of knowledge acquisition with traditional instruction; hypotheses tested are discussed; and the…

Describes a study that explored the impact of using interactive video in a seventh grade earth sciences curriculum. The effectiveness of interactive video and traditional text instructional methods in different settings (computer lab versus classroom) are compared, gender differences are examined, and recommendations for future research are given.…